27TH WORLD CONGRESS OF THE MEDICAL WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

MyJoyOnline reported August 16 that the recently held 27th World Congress of the Medical Women's International Association ended with a call on governments to ensure that their public health policies make cervical cancer prevention a priority. The story noted that a team of speakers included Dr. Nafis Sadik, former UNFPA Executive Director; Mari Simonen, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director; Prof. Fred T. Sai, Government Advisor on HIV/AIDS; and Dr. Kabba Joiner, Executive Director of the West African Health Organization. Read: MyJoyOnline

ANOTHER AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL MEMBER LEAVES GROUP

Radio Netherlands reported August 31 that another prominent member of Amnesty International has left. After 40 years, the Scottish Cardinal Keith O'Brien has decided to leave the organization because of its abortion policy. Ben van de Venn of the Catholic Newspaper accuses Amnesty of false compassion noting, "Amnesty has now aligned itself with NGOs like Planned Parenthood, Mary Stopes International and also the UN Population Fund, which are all pro-abortion and against the family." Read: Radio Netherlands

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATED

Costa Rica:  La Prensa Libre and La Nación reported August 13 that hundreds of youth celebrated International Day of Youth 2007 at the National Center of Culture. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the Vice-minister of Youth, UNFPA and the Council of the Young Person. Read: La Prensa Libre, La Nación

El Salvador: Canal 33 reported August 13 that on International Day of Youth, UNFPA Representative in El Salvador Leonor Calderón and Vice Ombudsman for Children and Adolescents Luis Ernesto Salazar were interviewed about how youth exercise human rights in the country. Young people in El Salvador perceive migration as a solution for development. According to the last census of housing and population, sponsored by UNFPA and other international agencies, youth population was found to be larger than the adult population.

El Financiero reported August 13 that during a press conference organized by UNFPA Mexico on occasion of International Youth Day, Cesar Garcés, Officer in Charge of the National Population Council, mentioned that between 2000 and 2005, 220,000 young people left Mexico each year. He also mentioned that the population growth will be negative by 2011 and will decrease to 14 million in 2050. Arie Hoekman, UNFPA Mexico Representative, affirmed that the percentage of young people worldwide is the biggest in the human history and that next year more than half of the world population, 3.3 billion, will live in urban areas. Read: El Financiero

 
Madagascar: L'Express reported August 13 that the celebration took place in the middle of the 7th Island Games of Indian Ocean. UN agencies, among them UNFPA, and Youth ministries from the other Islands were present, and many young people expressed their desire to participate more fully in matters that concern them. Read: L'Express 

Swaziland: The Swazi Observer reported August 13 that hundreds of young people took part in the celebration of International Youth Day, many of them young entrepreneurs showcasing their products and services. UNFPA representative Aisha Camara-Dammeh said youth must be engaged in Swaziland's development.

AFRICA: Initiative Launched to Reduce Female Genital Mutilation

IRIN reported August 27 that a meeting was held to discuss the health hazards of female genital mutilation in Africa.  At the meeting, UNICEF and UNFPA launched a $44 million initiative to reduce female genital mutilation by 40 percent in the next nine years, and to end it in one generation in 16 high-prevalence African countries. Read: IRIN

ASIA AND PACIFIC: HIV Treatment and Prevention Discussed at the 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and Pacific

Xinhua General News Service reported August 23 that at the 8th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and Pacific held in Colombo, UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Purnima Mane told delegates that the connection between HIV treatment and prevention is inextricable and well-established. She highlighted the importance of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, ensuring that information and services reach youth, reducing HIV vulnerability caused by early-age marriage and gender-based violence, normalizing condom use, as well as addressing sexual and reproductive health of people living with HIV. Read: Xinhua General News Service

Bangladesh:The Daily Star reported August 23 that Bangladesh has many suspected unreported cases of HIV/AIDS because of social stigma in both rural and urban communities. UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Purnima Mane told a plenary session at the conference, “Going beyond the silence into action is the only way we can face the future generations knowing that we are doing our best to ensure an AIDS-free generation.” She emphasized the urgency for all countries to make universal access to sexual and reproductive health and to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support a priority. “The greatest impact can be achieved when we link prevention with treatment and care,” she said. Read: Daily Star

ASIA AND PACIFIC: UNESCAP Youth Seminar Convened

Philippines News Agency reported August 25 that Michael Francis Acebedo Lopez, Commissioner at-large and Assistant Secretary of the National Youth Commission (NYC), attended the UNESCAP Youth Seminar, convened in collaboration with Korea’s Youth Commission and National Council of Youth Organizations. The story noted that at the conference Lopez, the youngest appointee of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, discussed the NYC’s project with UNFPA. The story also noted that the ILO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the UNESCAP made presentations.

ASIA AND PACIFIC: The Challenges of Ageing Population Examined

Sunday Observer reported August 19 on the challenges of ageing population in Asia and the Pacific. The story noted that a seminar on the social-health and economic consequences of ageing population in collaboration with UNESCAP, UNFPA and UNDESA, examined the existing ageing-specific programs and policies. Read: Sunday Observer, Bangkok Post

BANGLADESH: UNFPA Project on Detecting and Preventing Cervical Cancer

The Daily Star ran a September 2 opinion piece by Dr. Rajib Hossain who noted: “To detect and prevent cervical cancer, a project on cervical cancer screening (based on VIA method) has already been undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and UNFPA. Under this project, 31 district hospitals, 31 maternal and child welfare clinics and a few numbers of doctors, nurses and healthcare providers and district hospitals have been trained so far.” Read: Daily Star

BANGLADESH: International Assistance Continues for Victims of the July Flood

Xinhua General News Service reported August 29 that Bangladesh has so far received commitments of 5 billion taka (about $71.4 million) from foreign countries for the country's flood relief and rehabilitation. The story noted that assistance from international agencies based in Bangladesh include FAO’s commitment to fighting cattle diseases by providing vaccines and UNFPA’s work in the flood-affected areas to ensure health of expectant mothers. The devastating floods in Bangladesh, caused by incessant rain and onrush water from upstream, has so far claimed 728 lives and marooned over 16 million people in 39 out of the country's 64 districts since late July. Read: Daily Star

BANGLADESH: Precautions Taken to Ensure Safe Childbirth in Flood-Affected Area

United News of Bangladesh’s August 15 story quoted UNFPA’s Arthur Erken as saying, “UNFPA has calculated that there are 60,000 expectant mothers among the flood-affected people and they're taking steps to ensure healthy delivery during this period.” Read: New Nation

BELARUS: Urban Temptation

Belarus Today reported August 14 that most young people wish to move from rural areas to big cities, for the search of better opportunities. According to UNFPA estimates, Belarus is the most urbanized country  among countries of Eastern Europe. 73 per cent of Belarus population are city citizens compared to Poland – 62 per cent, Lithuania – 66 per cent UNFPA's State of World Population 2007 warns that increase of urban slums is a serious challenge to urban infrastructure, social development and environment. Read: Belarus Today

BOTSWANA: Discussion on Safe Abortion

Daily News reported August 16 that during a panel discussion on safe abortion, Argentina Matavel of UNFPA said unwanted pregnancies and lack of access to skilled reproductive health services were the major reasons abortion occurred. She said 90 percent of abortion-related deaths could be prevented if women had access to safe and effective family planning methods. Matavel said in countries where governments had made it legal, her organization would advocate for safe services. However, even where it is illegal, UNFPA advocates for the provision of skilled post-abortion care in order to avert unnecessary deaths, she added. Read: Daily News

BURKINA FASO: Contraceptive Availability Needed to Stem Population Growth

IRIN reported August 22 that Burkina Faso's population is rapidly increasing largely because every woman in the country bears on average seven children, according to national census results published in August. Surveys conducted by the Burkina Faso Ministry of Health have shown that the lower the use of contraception, the higher the maternal mortality rate. To promote contraceptive use the government, assisted by partners such as UNFPA and USAID, adopted a 10-year (2006-2015) six billion CFA strategic plan to ensure the availability of contraceptive commodities countrywide. Read: IRIN

CAMEROON: Maternal Mortality Highlighted during World Population Day

The Post reported August 20 that according to statistics made available by UNFPA, a woman dies every minute especially in Sub-Saharan Africa while giving birth. In Cameroon, 669 women out of 100,000 women die due to child delivery complications. The story noted that maternal mortality in Cameroon was highlighted during UNFPA’s World Population Day themed "Men as partners of maternal health care." UNFPA Resident Representative in Cameroon, Dr. Faustin Yao, said that population issues do not only centre on the number of people in a particular country, but how healthy they are and what their standard of living is. That is why the UNFPA is fighting hard with the Cameroon government to make sure that every youth is free of HIV and AIDS. Read: The Post

CENTRAL AMERICA: Laws on Domestic Violence Lack Enforcement

Diario Colatino  reported  on August 23 that a study on the enforcement of domestic violence laws revealed serious shortcomings in Central America. The countries included in the study were: Guatemala, El Salvador, Panamá, Honduras, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. The study was sponsored by Oxfam America, UNFPA and UNIFEM. Read: Diario Colatino                                                                                   

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Complementary Inquiry Announced into U.N. Programs

UN News Centre reported August 23 that UNDP announced plans to set up an independent inquiry to examine allegations about its recent operations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea that are not being considered by an existing probe by the UN Board of Auditors. Ambassador Carsten Staur of Denmark, President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA, issued a statement saying that he was proposing a complementary inquiry to be “led by one or more individuals who are highly respected internationally, neutral, and external to the UN system.” Read: UN News Centre

 

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Meeting to Review Flood Assistance

Xinhua General News Service reported August 16 that a donors' meeting on assistance to the flood-stricken people in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was convened with UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP, WHO and the U.N. Resident Coordinator. U.N. Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Margareta Wahlstrom said that donors discussed how to mobilize resources to bring relief to hundreds of thousands of flood-stricken people. UN News Centre reported August 17 that UNFPA will provide emergency delivery kits for home and clinic births, and is also conducting a pilot population census to ascertain the extent of housing damage. Read: Xinhua General News Service, UN News Centre

EGYPT: Banning Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Made a National Priority

Al Ahram reported August 18 that a conference was held as a part of a campaign spearheaded by Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak to make the ban on FGM/FGC a national priority, and is supported by Minister of Health and Population Hatem El-Gabali's Decree 271 prohibiting the practice. The conference was addressed by El-Gabali; Dr. Mahmoud Fathallah, gynecologist and former U.N. Program Manager for Reproductive Health; Faysal Abdel-Gadir, UNFPA resident representative; lawyer Mohamed Selim El-Awa; Ahmed Zayed, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Cairo University; and several representatives from Al-Azhar and the Orthodox Coptic Church. Read: Al Ahram

ETHIOPIA: Art Exhibition on Women Heroes Ready for Launch

The Daily Monitor reported August 28 that the UNFPA office in Ethiopia said the launch was ready for an art exhibition on women “heroes of society.” A portrait and sculpture of 13 historic and contemporary women role models by 13 winners of an art competition, sponsored by UNFPA, will be displayed. "These were or are real women, who all Ethiopians have reason to be proud of for their sense of duty to society and womankind," said Monique Rakotomalala, UNFPA Ethiopia country representative. "More pointedly, these women were and are gatekeepers of Ethiopian culture, who have shown that giving up harmful traditional practices is compatible with maintaining values," she said. Read: Daily Monitor

GHANA: Difficulties in Finding Justice for Victims of Violence against Women

Public Agenda reported August 20 on women suffering from domestic and other forms of violence in Africa and the difficulties they encounter in seeking justice. UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said there is a need "to ensure that all those who respond to violence against women – whether they are police officers, judges, lawyers, immigration officials, medical personnel or social workers – are sensitized and trained to provide a response that is compassionate and comprehensive." Experts say that education is crucial in changing social attitudes that see women as inferior beings. UNFPA Director of Information Safiye Cagar said: "Too many women are subjected to violence and made to feel shame…for crimes committed against them. The real shame, she noted on International Women's Day this year, belongs to a world that allows such crimes to continue."

GHANA: Births and Deaths Registry Introduced in 21 Communities

Ghana News Agency reported August 23 that registration of births and deaths has reduced considerably with the Births and Deaths Registry recording only 54 percent of births and 23 percent of deaths since 2006. This compares with 67 percent of registered births and 24 per cent of deaths two years ago, Alhaji Awudu Yeremiah, deputy Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, said with support from Plan Ghana and UNFPA, Community Population Registers had been introduced in 21 communities in the Central, Eastern and Upper West Regions and were being managed by locally-trained people. Read: Ghana News Agency

GAMBIA: World Population Day Celebrated in Bwiam and Kaur

FOROYAA Newspaper reported August 27 on World Population Day celebrated in Bwiam in Foni and Kaur in Saloum. The theme of this year's celebration, "To promote men's participation in maternal health," was attended by UNFPA Assistant Representative Ruben Mboge among others.

GUATEMALA: Political Parties Discuss Sexual and Reproductive Health

Cimac Noticias’ reported August 24 on a discussion on reproductive health among wives of political candidates in Guatemala. It mentioned a study carried out by CERIGUA with the support of UNFPA that emphasized the important role of men in guaranteeing safe motherhood. Read: Cimac Noticias

INDIA: Sex Selection Could Spark Demographic Crisis and Violence

Reuters reported August 31 that increasing female feticide in India could spark a demographic crisis where fewer women in society will result in a rise in sexual violence and child abuse as well as wife-sharing. The story noted that sex ratios in regions like Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh as well as the capital, New Delhi, showed there are less than 800 girls for every 1,000 boys. "The 2001 census was a wake-up call for all of us and much public awareness has been created on female feticide since then,” Ena Singh, UNFPA assistant representative in India, said. “But initial figures show sex ratios are still declining as female feticide is becoming more widespread across the country and is likely to be worse in the next census in 2011." Read: Reuters

INDIA: Rape Kits to Be Used in Madhya Pradesh Hospitals and Health Centers

Indian Express reported September 2 that in a bid to aid district hospitals and community health centers to help solve rape cases, the Madhya Pradesh government, in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association, has decided to introduce rape kits equipped with culture plates, special seals to carry pubic hair, nail clippers, and sterile swabs. The story noted that UNFPA had helped the Maharashtra government to launch the program in 2004. Training in district hospitals and community health centers is scheduled to begin in October. Read: Indian Express

INDIA: Adolescent Sex Education Revamped

The Telegraph’s August 16 story noted Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Kerala states had written to the Centre that they would not implement the initial adolescent sex education program. “The new course (the one being tested) takes into consideration the concerns of all those who had problems earlier,” a central official said. UNFPA was credited with helping the government draw up the course. Read: The Telegraph

INDONESIA: Seminar on Reproductive Health in Emergency Settings

Xinhua General News Service reported August 30 on a joint seminar held by UNFPA and Indonesia's Ministry of Health to discuss the draft practical guidelines on reproductive health (RH) in emergency settings. “RH is often not included in the 'emergency health responses' because it is not considered an 'emergency.' This further increases the vulnerabilities of the affected communities," said UNFPA Representative in Indonesia Dr. Zahidul Huque. Read: Xinhua General News Service

KENYA: HIV/AIDS Prevalence and New Infections Decline

BuaNews reported August 14 that at this year’s inaugural International Women's Conference on HIV/AIDS, Kenya's HIV/AIDS prevalence and new infections were reported to have declined over the last three years, said National AIDS Control Council Director Professor Alloys Orago. The event was organized by the World YWCA and convened with the International Community of Women Living with HIV, and supported by UNAIDS, Global Coalition on Women and AIDS and UNFPA. Read: BuaNews

KENYA: Development Partners Sign Code of Conduct for Health Sector

The Standard reported August 13 that the Finance Permanent Secretary Joseph Kinyua signed a code of conduct supporting the health sector on behalf of the Kenyan government. Donors present at the signing included U.K, U.S., European Union, World Bank, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNAIDS. The Civil Society was represented by the NGO Hennet and the Church Health Association of Kenya. Read: The Standard

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN: Agreement Signed at the end of Regional Conference on Women

PPN reported August 31 on an agreement signed at the conclusion of the tenth session of the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by UNFPA. At the event, UNFPA Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Division Marcela Suazo proclaimed, "Towards a new social and gender pact: shared responsibility for reproductive and productive work in Latin America and the Caribbean." Read: PPN

The Press Trust of India reported August 14 that although the rate of female participation in the workforce in Latin America and the Caribbean is at an all-time high, women are still being prevented from reaching their economic potential by their child-rearing and caretaking responsibilities, as well as their low status in some countries. This was the conclusion arrived at a meeting organized by UNFPA in Quito, Ecuador, on "Shared Responsibility for Productive and Reproductive Work in Latin American and the Caribbean." UNFPA's Director for the Division for Latin America and the Caribbean Marcela Suazo said women's salaries trail those of men by 20 to 30 percent despite the swelling numbers of employed women.

LIBERIA: UNFPA Funds Program for Statistics and Geo-Information Services

The Analyst reported August 14 that UNFPA donated $500,000 to the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services to bolster its operations. UNFPA Program Coordinator Ibrahim Sambuli said about $300,000 will be made available at the end of August with the remaining available next year. Read: The Analyst

MALAWI: Pilot Census to Be Conducted in September

Daily Times reported August 31 that the National Statistics Office will conduct a pilot census in September to test census and field operational procedures ahead of the 2008 national census. The pilot census will take place in Chitipa, Nkhata Bay, and Mzimba, Kasungu, Lilongwe Salima at a cost of $320,000 granted by UNFPA. Read: Daily Times

MALAWI: UNFPA Helps Women Suffering from Obstetric Fistula

Daily Times reported August 30 on efforts to aid women suffering from obstetric fistula through an initiative by UNFPA. The U.N. agency provides financial and technical support to some hospitals that are carrying out fistula repairs in some Malawi hospitals. Read: The Daily Times

MALAYSIA: Policy-Makers Urged to Propose Strategies for Economic Advancement

New Straits Times reported August 21 Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah urged policy-makers to come up with new strategies to bring prosperity to the country in the next 50 years. "This requires the country to vastly improve its human capital base by investing heavily in training and education, and promoting research and development," Shah said at the launching of the book, Malaysia: From Kampung to Twin Towers, 50 years of Economic and Social Development, by Datuk Dr. Richard Leete. The story noted that Leete is also U.N. Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, UNDP resident representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, and UNFPA representative for Malaysia.

MALI: Forced Child Marriage Needs More Attention

IRIN reported August 30 reported that forced early marriage, or child marriage is a problem that has been largely untouched by the international community in Mali. The Population Council considers Mali’s situation as "one of the most severe crises of child marriage in the world today." According to UNFPA, girls aged 15-19 are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth as women aged 20-24. Among girls aged 10-14, the risk is five times greater. Early onset of sexual activity has also been linked to increased risk of HIV/AIDS because child brides are less likely to be educated and more likely to have unprotected sex with older men who have had more sexual partners. Read: IRIN

MOZAMBIQUE: Books Launched on Population and Development

Daily Notícias reported August 20 that the Centre for Population Studies at Eduardo Mondlane University and UNFPA country office launched three books on population and development. The books are:  “Contribution of Tourism to the Local Development in Mozambique: The Case of Inhambane Coastal Area,” by José Guambe; “Income and Rural Poverty: The Case of Central and Northern Mozambique, 1996-2002,” by Teles Huo; and “Migrant Women in Maputo City,” by Cecília Castanheira Bilale, a former UNFPA technical advisor. All the books, launched at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, are only available in Portuguese.

MOZAMBIQUE: Census Finds Population Stands at 20,069,738

Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique reported August 22 that the Third General Population and Housing Census showed the country’s current population at 20,069,738 people. The story noted that the total cost was just over 293.4 million meticais (about $11.5 million), a sum that was covered by the government itself, and by a wide range of donors, who include the European Union, UNFPA and Sweden. Read: Agencia Informacao de Mocambique,

NAMIBIA: Delegation Extends Visit to Karas Region

New Era reported August 13 that a 10-member parliamentary delegation that recently completed a tour of the Otjozondjupa region extended its visit to the Karas region to familiarize themselves with gender issues and other social matters. The parliamentarians participated in a week-long outreach program with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF to increase dialogue and information sharing between Members of Parliament, government representatives in the regions, communities, civic organizations and vulnerable groups. Read: New Era

NIGERIA: Meeting to Discuss Strategies for 2016 Census

The Daily Trust reported August 27 that UNFPA organized a two-day meeting for census officials, international agencies and development partners to discuss and exchange ideas on how best to mobilize resources for the 2016 census and avoid mistakes made in previous censuses. UNFPA Deputy Executive Director said: "... to speak quite frankly, counting the population (enumeration) and not analyzing and using the data for policy planning at both national and sub-national levels is a waste of resources. Unfortunately, that was the case of many countries during the 1990 and 2000 rounds." Read: Daily Trust

NIGERIA: UNFPA Hands over 200 Safe Motherhood Kits in Sokoto

The Daily Trust reported August 31 that UNFPA State Coordinator Dr. Aliyu Yakub said about two hundred safe motherhood kits worth N3 million have been provided by UNFPA in Sokoto for free distribution to hospitals and maternity centers. Dr. Aliyu noted that UNFPA intervened in this area to enhance safe delivery by women and, more importantly, to encourage them to always deliver their babies at the hospital or one of the maternity centers across Sokoto. Read: The Daily Trust

OMAN: Y-Peer Program Launched to Train Peer Educators

Gulf News reported August 19 that UNFPA's GCC office recently launched the Youth Peer Education Network in Oman with a workshop to train peer educators. “The worldwide Youth Peer Education Network (Y-Peer) works in the broad areas of adolescent sexual and reproductive health," said UNFPA Media Consultant Amira Al Aker. With the help of Oman's Scouts and Guides, the UNFPA office in Oman chose Khamis Al Alawi as a trainer in UNFPA efforts to build the capacity of Peer Education in Oman. After completion of this course and receiving his certificate of completion, Al Alawi was sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a 10-day workshop to further complete his training and prepare him as a trainer and as a Y-Peer focal point for Oman. He then trained 11 participants in peer education at a workshop held last month at the UNFPA’s office in Muscat. Read: Gulf News

OMAN: Youth Education on Sexual Transmitted Disease and HIV/AIDS

Gulf News reported August 13 that UNFPA Resident Representative in the GCC region Dr. Nora N. Alnahedh was quoted as saying, "At a time when youngsters indulge in high risk practices, it is necessary to equip them with information, knowledge and education about HIV/AIDS." She added, “Prevention also relies on promoting safer sexual behavior among young people." Read: Gulf News

PACIFIC REGION: Regional Consultation Meeting Held to Review Country Programs

PacNews reported August 14 that the week-long Regional Consultation Meeting (RCM), themed, “Action, Commitment and Engagement into the Future,” was attended by the Pacific Health Directors and other key people, including NGOs, from 10 Pacific Island countries. The 40 participants will review the progress made in their countries, in the UNFPA program, over the past five years, said Najib Assifi, UNFPA Director and representative for the Pacific. The RCM marks the end of UNFPA’s five-year cycle of assistance in the Pacific 2003-2007. The goals of the RCM are to identify the gaps and fine tune the program for the next cycle 2008-2012. Read: Fiji Times, Tonga Now

PacNews reported August 15 during day two of UNFPA’s RCM, Pacific Island health experts called for greater information sharing, support to make available education in their own languages and to get more assistance in developing reproductive health policies specific to the needs of each country. UNFPA Deputy Representative Giulia Vallese said that UNFPA Office for the Pacific had established a database of regional and international expertise to draw relevant technical capacity in key program areas.

PacNews reported August 17 that during the RCM, a panel discussion among U.N. Resident Coordinator Richard Dictus, WHO Representative Dr. Ken Chen, UNICEF Deputy Representative Tim Sutton, and UNFPA Representative for the Pacific Najib Assifi was held to highlight the importance of partnerships among stakeholders as essential to aid effectiveness. The other issue discussed was UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA’s joint presence in seven Pacific countries, said UNFPA Representative and Director CST Najib Assifi.

Fiji: Fiji Times reported August 15 that at the RCM, the cases of gender-based violence are most prominent in Fiji compared to other Pacific islands, said UNFPA’s Reproductive Health Advisor Wame Baravilala. In his presentation on the progress of the pilot project on “Men as Partners/Men's Involvement in Reproductive Health and Gender-Based Violence,” Dr. Baravilala said while gender equality was one of UNFPA's main mandates, in the Pacific the main concern was gender-based violence. Read: Fiji Times

PAKISTAN: Political Awareness among Female Counselors and Parliamentarians

Business Recorder reported September 1 that the Women Development Ministry has spent $7.5 million on Women Political Schools project over the last six years to bring political awareness among female counselors and women parliamentarians. Sources told Business Recorder that the management of the project was handed over to UNDP and achieved 23 per cent of women counselors. Under the program, the Ministry also conducted an orientation session for female counselors on reproductive health, family planning and HIV/AIDS in collaboration with UNFPA in Abbottabad, Chakwal and Quetta.

PAKISTAN: National Programme on Family Planning and Primary Healthcare Reviewed

The Pakistan Newswire reported August 16 that the meeting to review the national family planning and primary healthcare programmes included National Coordinator Dr. Asad Hafiz, Provincial Coordinator Dr. Tanveer Ahmad, Acting D.G. Health Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Dr. Ismatullah Chaudhry of the WHO, Dr. Jamil Ahmad of UNFPA, District Officers Health and coordinators. Punjab Health Minister, Ch. Muhammad Iqbal said the major focus was on protecting the health of people through strengthening of primary healthcare and disease preventive programmes.

PAKISTAN: Essential Drugs Provided in Flood-Affect Areas

The Pakistan Newswire reported August 17 that the WHO essential drug team is working to ensure the availability of essential drugs at flood-affected health facilities in Sindh and Balochistan provinces and build local staff capacity to manage the drugs according to standard operating procedures. The story noted that the Emergency Preparedness and Response and Disease Early Warning System Units were established at Sindh Secretariat No 4-A, Karachi by Health Department in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Peer Education Program Advances

PNG Post-Courier reported August 24 on the advancements of the University of Papua New Guinea’s peer education program, which began in 1997 at the request of the UPNG management with funding assistance from UNFPA. The organization emerged in response to the alarming increase of sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, unplanned pregnancies, drugs, alcohol, violence, gender and sexual abuse in the country.

PARAGUAY: Book on Project “Tekopora” Launched

ABC Digital reported August 31 on the launch of a research book by Dr. Friedhelm Guttandin on mothers benefiting from the Tekoporã farming project. The research was supported by GTZ and UNFPA within the framework of an agreement of cooperation with the Secretariat of Social Action. Read: ABC Digital

PERU: UNFPA Seeks Emergency Funding for Victims of Recent Earthquake

CIMACNOTICIAS reported August 31 that UNFPA is seeking $850,000 in emergency funding to help 250,000 victims of the recent earthquake in Peru. The call for funding is part of a United Nations system-wide appeal for emergency donations of nearly $37 million launched this week in Geneva. Read: Cimac Noticias

PHILIPPINES: Maternal Mortality Blamed on Poverty and Poor Health Information

Philippine Daily Inquirer reported August 23 that at least 10 Filipino mothers die every day while giving birth, said UNFPA Country Representative Suneeta Mukherjee. She blamed "poverty" and "the lack of correct information and lack of choices for a better life" for the deaths. Mukherjee said maternal deaths have been prevalent in poor rural areas or in urban communities with little or no health care facilities. "These are unheard and unsung stories," Mukherjee told participants during the 2nd National Multi-Sectoral Policy Conference on Population and Human Development held at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City on August 15. Read: Philippine Daily Inquirer

PHILIPPINES: Country Unprepared for USAID’s Phase-Out of Contraceptive Program

Associated Press reported August 14 that family planning advocates said the Philippine government is unprepared for the phase-out of USAID’s contraceptive donation program, which could mean high population growth, maternal deaths, and abortion.

The Philippine Congress has allocated 180 million pesos ($3.9 million; euro 2.86 million) for family planning this year, but guidelines for the funds' release to local governments have not yet been approved. About 473,000 abortions, or a third of 1.4 million unplanned pregnancies, occur in the country yearly, said Rena Dona, an official with UNFPA. Two out of five women who want to use contraceptives don't have access to them, Dona told a forum on family planning. Read: Associated Press

PHILIPPINES: President Arroyo’s Position Has Bad Effects on Family Planning

Malaya reported August 13 that government health workers and NGOs exposed to the realities in the field say President Gloria Arroyo’s position on family planning has deadly effects on numerous fronts. They say it keeps the poorest women uninformed of all the options available to them to limit or space their children. It deprives women of the free contraceptive materials previously available to them in barangay health centers. UNFPA’s Suneeta Mukherjee has said that 99 percent of maternal deaths are preventable, adding that promoting family planning in places with high birth rates could help cut the maternal mortality rate by as much as 35 percent. Media reports last March also quoted her as saying that it is unlikely that the Philippines will meet its target of reducing the maternal mortality rate to 52 per 100,000 births by 2015 without "political will." Read: Malaya

SOMALIA: Sexual Violence Escalating

IRIN reported August 16 that the escalating violence in Somalia is increasing the incidence of sexual attacks against women and girls and heightening their risk of HIV-infection. UNFPA recently trained health workers across south-central Somalia to provide clinical and psycho-social care to the survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. "There has been no system in place in Somalia where people could get PEP [post-exposure prophylaxis]," said Dr. Penina Gathuri, sexual and gender-based violence coordinator for UNFPA in Somalia. “Rape survivors were given antibiotics or painkillers – whatever the health center had – but no treatment for HIV.” UNFPA plans to start providing PEP kits and rape kits, and referring women who have been seriously injured to hospitals, such as the one in Baidoa, where the agency is supporting an obstetrician-gynecologist. Read: IRIN

SOUTHERN AFRICA: Workshop on Improving Implementation of ICPD Programme of Action

New Era reported August 14 that during the seventh sub-regional workshop on capacity building of the Network of African Women Ministers and Parliamentarians on advocacy, leadership and resource mobilization, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Libertina Amathila said women ministers and parliamentarians should create opportunities and platforms to empower women and help them voice their concerns. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare in collaboration with UNFPA. Read: New Era

SUDAN: Census Delayed until February

Reuters reported September 2 that Sudan has delayed until February a national census because of delays in funding. The coalition Government of National Unity (GONU) has now pledged to put up the money, said UNFPA, which is helping to organise the two-week census. “The GONU committed itself to providing its share of $54.2 million (26 million pounds)," UNFPA said. GONU also agreed to release $30 million by the end of October. Read: Reuters, BBC News

SUDAN: Aid Assistance for Flood Relief

UN News Centre reported August 20 that the U.N. allocated $8.7 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in Sudan, where more than 1.5 million people may soon need assistance in the wake of devastating floods. The Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan said in a media statement that the CERF funding will be allocated to projects managed by five U.N. agencies – FAO, UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP and WHO. Read: UN News Centre

SWAZILAND: UNFPA Representative Urges Sex Education

Times of Swaziland reported August 24 that at a meeting hosted by Family Life Association of Swaziland, UNFPA Resident Representative Aisha Camara-Dammeh urged people to educate children about sex to prevent pregnancies.

SWAZILAND: UNFPA Representative Emphasizes Family Planning

Times of Swaziland reported August 24 that UNFPA Resident Representative Aisha Camara-Dammeh called on families to plan their babies in order to help reduce poverty. She said, "We will not reduce poverty, child and maternal mortality and the spread of HIV and AIDS unless couples and individuals plan their families, receive health care during pregnancy and birth, and have information and services to protect their health and protect the virus.”

SYRIA: Workshop Held on Media’s Role in Reporting Youth Issues

SANA reported August 28 that a workshop on the media's role in handling youth issues was held in Damascus by Ministry of Information in cooperation with UNFPA. Assistant Information Minister Talib Qadi Amin said, “International organizations' cooperation is very productive, particularly UNFPA's, to achieve national goals set by the government,” stressing the role of the official and private media in making such programmess and activities successful. Lecturers from the State Planning Commission, UNFPA, Women's Union and the Syrian Association for Environment spoke about strategy with youth in the tenth five-year plan. Read: SANA

TANZANIA: 500 Teachers to Be Trained on HIV and AIDS

The Daily News reported August 31 that the Women and Development foundation will train more than 500 primary school teachers on the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  The story noted that the training, a joint initiative by UNAIDS, UNESCO, UNFPA and UNICEF, has so far trained 260 teachers. Read: Daily News

TANZANIA: Health Budget for 2007-2008 Increases by 26 Percent

The Daily News reported August 29 that health sector development partners have agreed to provide $64.3 million (about 80.83bn/-) to Tanzania’s 2007-2008 budget, 26 per cent higher than the 2006-2007 budget. “This increase in funding recognizes the important role the health sector is playing in reducing poverty in Tanzania, said Julie McLaughlin, the World Bank’s lead health specialist in Tanzania. Partners include: Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, UNFPA, UNICEF and the World Bank. Read: Daily News

TANZANIA: Agreement Signed to Syncronize Statistics and Tools for 2010 Census

The Daily News reported August 25 that the East African Community (EAC) and UNFPA signed an agreement to enable EAC member states to synchronize statistics and tools for the 2010 round of census. UNFPA Country Director of Technical Services Benson Morah said EAC is regarded as a role model of integration in Africa and hence the UNFPA was proud to be associated with it. He pledged UNFPA's readiness to partner with the EAC in building a strong community. Read: Daily News

UZBEKISTAN: Training on Improving Emergency Obstetric Care

UzReport.com reported August 23 that the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan with financial and technical support from UNFPA started a series of trainings on building up and upgrading skills of health care providers involved in emergency obstetric care in the Andijan region. Prior to the training programs, UNFPA and the Ministry of Health held a two-day orientation meeting on emergency obstetric care and contraceptives logistics management information system to discuss the current issues in the area of emergency obstetric care.

VIETNAM: United Nations One Plan Signed

Vietnam News Service reported August 24 that the Vietnam government and the United Nations signed the "One Plan" to help Vietnam achieve the targets of its Socio-Economic Development Plan (2006-2010) and Millennium Development Goals. A key pillar of the One Plan is its commitment to having "One Plan, One Budget, One Leader, One Set of Management Practices and One U.N. House." The One Plan (2006-2010) combines the work of UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, the UN Volunteers, UNIFEM and UNAIDS. Read: Vietnam News Service

YEMEN: 2007 Work Plan on Gender Issues Signed

The Yemen Observer reported August 28 that UNFPA Representative Hans Obdeijn and Women’s National Committee Chairperson Rashida Al-Hamdani signed the 2007 work plan to establish a gender-support unit, create auditing capacity building on a gender basis, and formulate positive media messages supporting women’s roles in society. Read: Yemen Observer

YEMEN: “Arab Women Make Future” Project to Be Introduced

Yemen News Agency reported August 23 that UNDP Resident Representative Flavia Pansieri is expected to hold a press conference on August 27 on the UNDP's project, "Arab Women Make Future." UNDP said in a press release that the news conference will be held before holding a three-day workshop on women's rights and HIV/AIDS, sponsored by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, UNDP and UNFPA. Read: Yemen News Agency

ZIMBABWE: Female Parliamentarians Urged to Encourage Women’s Self-Reliance

The Herald reported August 30 that at the Women's Parliamentary Caucus workshop on Gender Violence and Reproductive Health in Masvingo, President of the Senate Cde Edna Madzongwe said female parliamentarians should introduce economic empowerment projects to their constituencies to ensure women’s self-reliance and reduce the effects of poverty. The story noted that UNFPA, the Women's Trust, Parliament Women's Caucus and Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development are working in stages to address issues affecting women in the areas of HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and protecting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women. Read: The Herald